# Best "As Seen on TV" -type product that really worked? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 11, 2014, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899 "2014-04-11T22:43:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2014, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/41 "2014-04-12T20:54:25Z")
> [@Superhal](#): > > There was this magic meat defroster thing a few years back and my phd engineering friend explained to me how it worked. You need a PhD in Engineering to explain fraud? The FTC [went after](http://www.ftc.gov/es/node/79085) those people. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2014, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/42 "2014-04-12T21:13:32Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Cops I’ve asked have had varying opinion of the law. Just curious if anyone knew with certainty. In moderate rain a RainX user is driving without headlights on. A cop pulls him over to ticket him for no lights (the cops wipers are on). I say the guy doesn’t get ticketed, but a cop told me “using wipers” just means “it’s raining”. > > I have no dog in this fight, just intellectually curious. 🙂 Actually, “using wipers” is another way of saying “it’s precipitating”. Don’t forget our friend Mister Snow. I don’t understand why people would resist turning on their headlights so others can see you better and avoid smashing into you. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2014, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/43 "2014-04-12T22:43:53Z")
The Stone Wave does a pretty good job of microwave “poaching” of eggs without funny tastes or chlorofluorocarbons. Works with onions, too. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2014, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/44 "2014-04-12T22:51:04Z")
Dick Butkus used to pitch (late 1990’s) a collapsible 3 piece newspaper-burning grill that worked great for me. It got real hot, real quick, and would cook a steak or a few burgers in no time. (You tube surfing intermission) I found an infomercial for it, but I see no Dick Butkus… Maybe I was under the influence then. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/jBCrMDgeRY4/hqdefault.jpg "Qwik Cook Grill Chicago Summer infommercial") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBCrMDgeRY4) ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2014, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/45 "2014-04-12T23:06:58Z")
> [@bobkitty](#): > > I can tell you NOT to get the Hurricane Mop- reviews are atrocious, ranging from leaking buckets to handles that break on the first use to people wondering how they had to manipulate the footage to get it to perform the way it does on TV. Had a friend who decided to invest in one, and they threw it out 15 minutes into using it. That kind of broke my heart, because I had high hopes for it. [Lynette Longmire loves it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sktx_ejsVGc). ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Nylock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/77aa72/32.png) [@Mr.Nylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Nylock)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/46 "2014-04-13T00:33:24Z")
I’m torn between the flowbee and Uroclub; I don’ have any experience with the Uroclub personally though. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/47 "2014-04-13T00:45:38Z")
> [@Mr.Nylock](#): > > I’m torn between the flowbee and Uroclub I’m uncomfortable with the mental picture evoked by this tearing. ---
**Author:** ![No\_umlaut\_for\_U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ea5d25/32.png) [@No\_umlaut\_for\_U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_umlaut_for_U)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/48 "2014-04-13T02:42:24Z")
Strutz. I swear they work better than the $300 orthotics from the podiatrist. ---
**Author:** ![nevadaexile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb8c5e/32.png) [@nevadaexile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nevadaexile)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/49 "2014-04-13T02:48:38Z")
The **Ronco Smokeless Ashtray** used to work pretty well. It was noisy; but it kept the level of smoke in a room down. **Snuggies** are actually pretty warm. **Ginzu Knives** really will hold an edge for long period of time. However, almost any knife can cut through a can so that aspect isn’t that impressive. ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/50 "2014-04-13T02:49:15Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > Dick Butkus used to pitch (late 1990’s) a collapsible 3 piece newspaper-burning grill . . . I thought it was a guy that “looked” like Butkus, not Butkus himself. In any case, the one I remember was the [Spanek Vertical Roaster](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an422HtfNOs). ---
**Author:** ![Superhal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/51 "2014-04-13T04:23:27Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > You need a PhD in Engineering to explain fraud? The FTC [went after](http://www.ftc.gov/es/node/79085) those people. The source is about safe food handling, not thermodynamics. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/52 "2014-04-13T04:48:49Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > The one thing I have always wanted to try is that spray paint you put on your head to cover bald spots. It looks like it really works in the commercials but sadly, I don’t think I am ever going to be bald or even have thinning hair so I can’t test it personally. That was the best infomercial I have ever seen however. that would be GLH-9. ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/53 "2014-04-13T04:53:21Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > “Travel Space Bags” have worked out for me. I bought some back in 2003 and I still use them when I travel. They aren’t air-tight anymore so they don’t compress, but they still work great for separating shirts, shorts, laundry, etc in my suitcase. The new ones are made of much thinner plastic; I doubt they would last as long as the ones I have. Heh. I’ve always used the gallon Glad Lock bags for that same purpose. A trick my mom taught me way back when. Also very handy if you go backpacking or camping, as the bags will help ensure that you have dry underwear even if you get pounced by a thunderstorm. The wife and I joke that whenever the TSA opens our baggage to inspect it, they probably say “Oh good lord, one of _these_ people” and zip the suitcase shut again. ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/54 "2014-04-13T05:29:27Z")
> [@nevadaexile](#): > > **Ginzu Knives** really will hold an edge for long period of time. However, almost any knife can cut through a can so that aspect isn’t that impressive. I think what was supposed to be impressive was cutting through the can and keeping an edge. ---
**Author:** ![PurpleClogs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f04885/32.png) [@PurpleClogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PurpleClogs)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/55 "2014-04-13T08:44:06Z")
Another vote for the Stone Wave, George Foreman Grill, and Space Bags! I’ve also been pleased with the Side Socket, Chillow, and Sticky Buddy. I tried the Heel Tastic a few years back. Was not impressed. Ped Egg works though. No No hair remover… It’s a no. Dryer Balls… They’re LOUD! Got a Swivel Sweeper for Christmas and we love it! Hubby got that knife with the holes in it. He loves it. I’m sure there have been others I’ve forgotten. And we have a few things we got and haven’t even used yet. Gee… Han’t realized what a sucker I am until this thread! ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/56 "2014-04-13T12:24:25Z")
> [@Superhal](#): > > The source is about safe food handling, not thermodynamics. Since it didn’t actually work better as a thawing device compared to any other chunk of metal, this implied that it was a food safety hazard. But the main point was that _it didn’t work as advertised_. The food safety issue was why there was an accelerated move to get it off the market. Still nothing exotic to explain. It didn’t have any distinct properties. No “miracle” at all. ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2014, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/57 "2014-04-13T22:37:09Z")
I used a forgotten Target gift card I found while cleaning my desk to buy a Wraptastic. Works as advertised when loaded with plastic wrap, and makes the stuff a lot easier to use. I have never been able to tear that stuff off without it going all clingy on itself and wadding up into a useless mess, except for that one brand that used to have a sliding cutter on the box. I haven’t seen any boxes like that in years. ---
**Author:** ![lorene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/65b543/32.png) [@lorene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorene)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2014, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/58 "2014-04-14T00:33:35Z")
> [@R.P.McMurphy](#): > > There was a similar thread to this early but I’m too lazy to do the search. The one product I found to be valuable (based on a recommendation) was the gizmo that cleans the inside of your windshield. I can’t remember what it is called. Cleaning inside auto windows is a PITA and this thing actually makes the job a lot easier. Works well too on the rear window. Was it [this thing](http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004779IBE?vs=1)? I was just talking today about needing to clean my windshield. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2014, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/59 "2014-04-14T00:40:34Z")
> [@california\_jobcase](#): > > I used a forgotten Target gift card I found while cleaning my desk to buy a Wraptastic. Works as advertised when loaded with plastic wrap, and makes the stuff a lot easier to use. I have never been able to tear that stuff off without it going all clingy on itself and wadding up into a useless mess, except for that one brand that used to have a **sliding cutter on the box**. I haven’t seen any boxes like that in years. Costco’s Kirkland wrap has that. ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2014, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899/60 "2014-04-14T00:57:17Z")
I used Proactive and it was the best thing I’ve ever done for my skin - even better than Retin-A. The timing may have coincided with some sort of hormone change that cleared up my skin, but my acne cleared up almost immediately starting it and, even now that I don’t use it anymore, my skin is clear and I rarely break out. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-as-seen-on-tv-type-product-that-really-worked/685899.md?page=4)